If I Let You Go

Chapter 22 - This villain

"The thing is you and your brother adore each other mutually." Taylor blurted at the sitting Archer.

Truthfully, Taylor likes doing business with the Hidalgo brothers. They're smart and responsible people. Archer even made it a habit to visit him from time to time since Rain and he broke up. He suspects Archer just wanted to check up on him. Today, Archer's excuse is that he has no one to watch FIFA with. So, Taylor ordered pizza and brought out cans of Coke and a bottle of Jack on the center table while Archer placed several cans of beer beside the coke cans.

A few minutes into the game when Archer breached the subject of going after Rain. Taylor's a bit puzzled why suddenly it seems all the people in his circle's urging him to take action on the situation between him and Rain.

Taylor resumed his rant, "Ash practically raised you and shielded you from anything that can hurt you. And you in turn decided to handle the business side of Essentiá because you know Ash wanted nothing more than to stay at the lab working on his creations."

"I used to be like that." Taylor continued. "I idolized and loved Kuya to the point of almost losing my life. But look where it got me. In a constant battle to prove myself worthy in that family."

"It was...is hell not being with Rain but I later realized, I don't want this life for Rain." Taylor said.

There was a moment of silence after that declaration. Archer's looking at the direction of the door with an uncomfortable look.

Taylor slowly faced the door and saw Amante just inside, standing perfectly still. Taylor slumped on the sofa and gestured for Amante to join them.

Archer cleared his throat in an effort to dispel the uncomfortable feeling, "Ehem, anyway, I'd like to tell you that although River's not likely to kill you on sight, she's still convinced that you are the villain who broke her brother's heart. Why won't you let me tell her about how you were forced to break it off with Rain?"

"Because it does not matter anymore. I am indeed the villain that made Rain go through this pain. But no matter how many times I go through that, I will choose to let him go again and again. Because I would rather hurt and break him now so he can move on without me." Taylor explained.

The life I lead is no place for him. He will be broken beyond fixing, the goodness in him swallowed by my dysfunctional family, and over time, the light in his eyes will fade. I'd rather be alone than have him here suffering with me. I will sacrifice anything and everything for his happiness. That is how much this villain loves him."

Amante remained silent at the side and busied himself drinking beer while pretending to focus on the football showing in the tv.

Archer on the other hand remained in a relax position at the sofa as if Taylor and him are just discussing the weather. He sighed a little and shook his head. "I may not be qualified to give you advice since, well, I admit I am biased towards my girlfriend's twin...but I don't think it works that way." Archer slightly swayed his crossed legs and lazily looked at his fingernails, trying hard to make it seem like he cannot be bothered with Taylor and Rain's tragic situation.

After a while, Archer then uncrossed his legs as if to stand up, but he remained sitting with his hands on his upper legs. "You may think that you are doing this all for his own good. You may push him away all you want but the fact remains that it will only be Rain's decision if and when he will stop loving you...That is if there is even a possibility of it happening at all. The way I see it, he's just letting you know how it feels like to lose your heart."

Archer finally stood up. He then looked straight at Taylor "Taylor, it's not as if you and Rain have lukewarm feelings for each other. Believe me, a love as great and determined as yours will never go away. It will remain to haunt you for the rest of your life."

Archer then walked towards the kitchen but turned back and relaxedly walked to Taylor. He then smiled teasingly and playfully swiped Taylor's stud raindrop diamond on his right ear. "Besides, it is obvious that Rain clearly has a hold on you. You're wearing your heart out on your sleeve, no not on your sleeve, on your ears" Archer then walked to the kitchen laughing loudly.

After Archer left to get more ice, Amante straightened up from his seat. He stared at Taylor while trying to phrase what he wants to say in his mind.

"Taylor, I am happy you found the love of your life. I truly wish you and Rain every happiness that this world has to offer. I don't think I will be able to have that. I've let go of the one true thing that brought me happiness. I was not able to fight for that person. It is a regret that resonates deeply in my heart. Too much regret that even years later, I still cannot let it go." Amante sadly said.

Amante paused as he sipped at his beer. He resumed his serious gaze at Taylor and inhaled deeply to control his feeling upon admitting a long-buried emotion.

"Trust me when I say that there will be a person in our lives who will never ever go away here." Amante tapped his chest. "The only thing that's holding you back from going after your happiness is yourself. So go after that happiness before it's too late."

Taylor silently stared at his Kuya for a long time. He remembered that Ate Josie, Kuya Fred's wife also said the same thing. To never let go of the one person that we know will never ever leave our hearts.

"What if he no longer wants me?" Taylor asked

Amante laughed a little, "In all the years that we've been brothers, I have never heard you question your confidence in achieving something that you want. I'm sure you will not chicken out on something that means a lot to you."

Taylor sighed, "That is exactly it. This is very important to me, so I am scared."

"And so, are you going to just give up because you're scared?" Amante taunted.

Taylor suddenly rose from his seat, "Of course not!" Taylor turned his head to face an approaching Archer, "Archer, you need to help me. You will, right?"

Archer who was carrying a fresh batch of cold beers was a bit scared of Taylor's sudden outburst. "Oh-kay? I am not sure what this is about but maybe you should relax and sit down first?"

Taylor sat back and when Archer saw this he asked, "Now explain to me in detail, what did I just agree to help you with?"

As Taylor explains what he plans to do to get back with Rain, Archer's thinking: 'My girlfriend will surely kill me.'